Boston is a walker’s town. It’s as clear as the brick red path marking the Freedom Trail, the bright blue signs of the Harborwalk, and the green of the Emerald Necklace series of parks. Boston’s nearly 400-year history has led to the development of hidden neighborhoods, historic sites, and iconic parks that tempt both Bostonians and visitors out onto the sidewalks, paths, and trails lacing this close-knit city. In addition, the Big Dig project, which helped revive downtown and the waterfront by moving Interstate 93 underground, has created an energy and excitement that has driven projects like the Harborwalk and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Neighborhoods are experiencing new growth and positive development—and even established cultural attractions like the Children’s Museum and the Boston Tea Party Museum have had major facelifts.

This makes it an exciting time to walk in Boston. Walking Boston offers the best of Boston’s new and old rambles. Each walk is meant to be a complete experience in itself, encompassing the new and the old, the natural and the man-made. For example, you can view Boston’s newest and most striking museum, and then get a lobster roll from a delightful wooden shack on Fort Point Channel.

This portable guide features detailed maps for each trip, original photos, and public transportation information for every trip. Route summaries make each walk easy to follow, and a “Points of Interest” section summarizes each walk’s highlights.

So, go ahead, lace up those shoes and take a walk. Whether you follow a red line, a blue sign, or the Emerald Necklace, you are always on the road to something special.